1 RB in every round of 2018 NFL draft for Raiders

Running back isn’t a pressing need for the Raiders on the surface in the 2018 NFL draft. However, Marshawn Lynch may be in his last NFL season in 2018, while Jalen Richard fumbled the ball nine times and DeAndre Washington finished with a yard per carry average south of 3.0 last season, making it evident that the team will need to invest into the position sooner rather than later.

Here is one RB in each round of the 2018 draft for coach Jon Gruden and general manager Reggie McKenzie’s consideration.

Former LSU running back Derrius Guice is the second best player at his position in the draft behind Saquan Barkley, according to Draft Wire, and his height, weight and playing style are similar Lynch’s which makes him a valuable addition to the roster Day 1.

Guice is 5-foot-11 and 218 pounds and is more versatile as a receiver than his college coaching staff allowed him to present statistically with the Tigers. Here’s what Draft Wire’s Luke Easterling said about Guice in his 2018 draft profile on the former Louisana State product.

While Leonard Fournette was held back by injuries, Guice took full advantage of the opportunity to shine as the Bayou Bengals’ lead back in 2016, leading the team with 1,387 yards and 15 touchdowns on the ground. This year, with Fournette now in the pros, Guice has dealt with his own injury issues, but has still managed to put up over 1,000 yards and double-digit scores.

While Fournette was lauded for his rare combination of size, athleticism and explosiveness, Guice brings some of those same traits to the table, but arguably in a more complete package. His change-of-direction skills set him apart from his predecessor, and he’s no slouch when it comes to breaking big runs or trucking opposing defenders. Guice is a three-down weapon who shouldn’t have to wait long to hear his name called on draft day.